From Our Readers: Comments & Suggestions – 5/07/2014

I was on Cymbalta for fibro for 18 months, and it gradually became ineffective. It took MONTHS to get off, which I did very gradually. The brain zaps drove me crazy and frightened me. Then I developed Periphial,neuropathy, since my B12 was extremely low. I'm missing the intrinsic factor in my gut which breaks down the B12 from food. Causes pernicious anemia, which used to be fatal, until B12 shots could be given.

Well, the neuropathy was absolutely horrible...made fibro seem like a walk in the park! Of course, guess what relieved the neuropathy? Yep! Cymbalta. It has now been over 18 months and once again losing it's effectiveness. Now I'm going to go through the misery of withdrawal all over again. I used to be such a healthy person:( – JanisMarie

You just about described me in that example you shared. I too am being forced to change positions against my will and at a lower rate of pay. I will simply need to move the contents of my cubicle to another location in the office, so there won't be any of the outdoor issues you described. But I can tell you that I had a flare that lasted about a week after I was told I need to change positions. And now I am going to be looking for another job after over 23 years at my current company. – Ispens
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I find sudden drops in Barometric Pressure trigger overall weakness. I also find overwork can throw me into a three day pit. When I have the rare time I feel good; I overdo anything I can because I don't know the next time I'll ever have any energy! Frustration and Depression pull me in to a downward spiral of inactivity which leaves me weak and angry with myself for lacking discipline. – Suze54
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It doesn't matter what time of the day or year it is for me that I'm not prepared for most eventualities. Yes, I live in Hawaii, but at 3,000 ft. The temp can be 40 in the a.m., 85 in the mid-day. So, I carry 3 different jacket weights and layer my upper clothes. Im able to go to my car when necessary to get what I need, or I can put most of my extra stuff either in my purse or my cubby. You can carry a small umbrella in your purse or briefcase. I always carry some of all my medications, also keeping a small amount of my asthma meds at work. When in a large city, you should also have a pair of walking shoes available in your desk, or under it. I keep up my tests for thyroid and D-3 levels, and I take 4000-6000 I.U.s per day to keep my pain levels down.

If I am having allergy problems, or will be doing something at work that might cause an allergy attack, I make sure to have some chewable vit.C tablets available in my little meds purse. I also carry a change of underwear in a little plastic zipper bag, just in case. For those who may have to carry a heavy bag or box each day, as I do, I will either take a box or shopping bag, which is collapsible. For flare-ups, I make sure I'm taking the D-3 tabs every morning, under the tongue, and I always have a large supply of colostrum at home. I follow the CDC guidelines that were published perhaps 15 years ago on the web site. I have copies, if you want them. I am almost always prepared for emergencies, since they can happen at any time, especially at work. – CarolBuck

Based on current findings in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), I wouldn't be surprised if these patients with reduced brain volume have untreated OSA themselves. I recommend sleep studies and CPAP for those who have the disorder. Look for reversal of their brain defects after a year of treatment. – DrNoSA

This is great. It's a wonderful idea. I myself do not suffer from this, but I do have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. It's a very hard thing to deal with when there is no tangible "sign" of illness. It's hard for people to understand something they can't "see". Currently I am going through treatment for Triple Negative IDC breast cancer and believe or not I find it EASIER to deal with than CFS. It's more "real" to people and something they can relate to in a weird sort of way. We need more of this type of awareness. – homewalker

My best friend is eleven and one half yrs old and works every day even though he suffers from a deadly bite or sting when he was two and it caused a weakened immune system made him sterile etc. He is third generation service dog and an International Champion show dog with a gold health certificate despite his challenged immune system. He is the oldest Boston Terrier I've ever owned as all of his maternal ancestry passed before they were ten yrs. I had given his mother to a friend when his grandfather and two great-grandfathers passed – they were family and I couldn't deal so gave all my breeding stock to my friend and didn't touch a dog any dog for four long years.

When I'd healed enough to start again I purchased two Champions and gave one to my friend who in turn gave me my ANGEL and a year later his brother too. Angel was acquired for show purpose not as a working dog but immediately he showed superior intelligence to any animal I've ever known and I've known a great many. He decided I needed a service dog and has prevented one hundred and fifty falls a year and he knows when others have illness or an injury and will point them out immediately. He is my doctor too and always knows where I hurt the most even though I didn't realize it. He gives 'lick' massages and will lick until the pain level peaks and then washes it away. His lick is (most unusually) dry. At eight yrs he spent a night in the hospital with me. At ten years of age he was tested with two disabled persons and worked as he does for me with the gentleman and pulled the lady in her wheelchair – wish I had it on film, he was as he always is WONDERFUL.

Everyone he meets loves him and everyone thinks he's beautiful. He's very gray and is beginning to lose some sight as has had a 'dry eye' condition for years and has some arthritis in his feet and one shoulder pains him at times. When working he's always a gentleman. I could go on and on about him----I've no idea what I'll do when the ever so dreadful day/night arrives I barely survived his great-grandfather's leaving and my Angel is so much more. My miracle dog, he looks like one and acts like the other but is himself as well, my ever so precious boy. Thank you for your article I'm tearing up so must go. – artdog